Colorado governor
Gov. John Hickenlooper has managed to irk those who would be natural allies for a Democrat, while by turns enraging and pleasing his presumed adversaries. And all the while, he has overseen a period of growing prosperity in Colorado. He merits re-election.
The governor has faced his share of high-profile issues. On each, Hickenlooper has engaged in meaningful debate and, often as not, convened wide-ranging groups to discuss potential solutions to questions that mean vastly different things to various constituencies.
This approach acknowledges the complexity inherent in these issues, as well as Colorado’s deep-purple hue. Hickenlooper has emphasized innovation, energy development – renewable and otherwise – and the importance of education for Colorado’s future prosperity.
Re-elect John Hickenlooper.
U.S. Congress
Since his election in 2010, U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton has carried measures that aim to ease regulatory burdens, the most successful of which have been crafted and carried with bipartisan support.
His measure streamlining the permitting process for small hydropower projects passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law – a rarity in today’s political climate. He also has Democratic partners in his effort to secure ski areas’ water rights and has supported pilot projects in Pagosa Springs and Gypsum to harvest dead trees for energy.
Tipton pushed back on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to extend the reach of the Clean Water Act and on an endangered species listing for sage grouse. At times, Tipton’s anti-regulation mindset goes too far, but his questions are relevant and worthy of consideration.
He also has worked across the aisle – and with the Senate – on designating Chimney Rock a national monument and on the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act. If re-elected, Tipton should revisit that measure’s original version.
Re-elect Scott Tipton
County treasurer
In looking to replace longtime county Treasurer Ed Murray, who is stepping down, La Plata County voters are faced with a choice between two smart and talented people. Bobby Lieb has the advantage, however, in that his experience largely involves working on local issues, often for or with local government. That includes his current job as a county commissioner.
Familiarity with the county, its people, problems, quirks and qualities is of utmost importance. It would be hard to name anyone who more fully fits that bill than Bobby Lieb.
Vote for Bobby Lieb.
County coroner
In the race for the job of La Plata County coroner, Republican incumbent Jann Smith has the edge. With 28 years on staff at the county coroner’s office, plus decades of service with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the town of Ignacio, she deserves to be elected.
Smith has been the county’s coroner since November 2012. She had been deputy coroner for the 26 previous years. She has solid relationships with other agencies, including law enforcement throughout the county, the district attorney’s office, San Juan Basin Health Department and Mercy Regional Medical Center. Her experience as the Southern Ute Tribe’s coroner and as a police officer for the town of Ignacio give Smith important connections to the broader community.
Elect Jann Smith as La Plata County coroner.
County sheriff
What is before the voters in the sheriff’s race is a simple question: Who can best lead the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office for the next four years? The answer is Sean Smith.
Smith will bring to the job a well-rounded résumé and the desire to move the Sheriff’s Office forward. He would put a greater emphasis on community policing, more use of technology and greater cooperation with other agencies to improve service and control costs.
Vote for Sean Smith.
